Maria Sharapova made a rampaging start to 2015, disposing of Kazakh qualifier Yaroslava Shvedova in straight sets at the Brisbane International on Tuesday night.
In an ominous warning to her Australian Open rivals, the Russian was at her razor-sharp best in notching the brutal 6-0 6-1 victory at Pat Rafter Arena.
Sharapova was clearly in no mood to mess about, wrapping up the first set in just 23 minutes before putting a hapless Shvedova to the sword in little more than an hour.
"I just wanted to start off really well, and I think I did a good job of that," Sharapova said.
"Despite all the training, it's such a different feeling to go out on the court and play in front of a crowd in an actual match atmosphere.
"It's only the first match of the season and it only gets tougher from here.
"Hopefully I continue to improve and take it a step further this year."
Shvedova gave Sharapova grief in a tight three-setter in their only previous meeting six years ago at Roland Garros, but there was nothing she could do to stop the 2008 Australian Open champion's hot streak on this occasion.
The 27-year-old was essentially cannon fodder for an on-song Sharapova, who found the right angles with her precision play.
Shvedova won a round of applause from the crowd when she finally won her first game for the match 18 minutes into the second set, though she wore a knowing grin.
"She lost the first set in her previous match 6-0 and ended up winning the match in a tough three-set battle, so you never know," Sharapova said.
"To be honest, she's capable of playing really tough tennis."
World No.2 Sharapova is the warm favourite to take out the Brisbane event - which she has never won before - with her nemesis Serena Williams choosing to play in the Hopman Cup in Perth.
On this early evidence, she appears capable of adding to her five grand slam titles this year.
Sharapova can expect some sterner tests to come in Brisbane with third seed Angelique Kerber and seventh seed Carla Suarez Navarro on her side of the draw.
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